DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan on Friday, August 21, 2026, inspected extracurricular activities and facilities supporting student creativity at SMPN 2 Lubuk Pakam. The visit gave the regent an opportunity to observe the students' activities firsthand while also listening to their aspirations regarding the development of their interests and talents.
During the visit, the regent was accompanied by the Head of the Deli Serdang Education Office and the Lubuk Pakam Subdistrict Head. He inspected various extracurricular activities participated in by students at the school, including singing, music, mathematics, basketball, futsal, dance, drawing, table tennis, and other activities.
The regent said the visit to the junior high school was intended to gain a firsthand understanding of the development of student activities and identify the support needed for activities outside the regular academic curriculum.
"I am currently visiting various junior high schools to see their extracurricular programs. The goal is to observe these activities directly while also listening to the students' aspirations—to find out what kind of support they need and want in the future for their activities," the regent said.
Balancing Academic and Extracurricular Activities
According to the regent, schools should not focus solely on academic achievement but should also provide students with sufficient opportunities to develop their abilities in non-academic fields. Every student has different potential, he said, so schools should create as many opportunities as possible to nurture those abilities.
"Considering the many activities at the school, both academic and non-academic, we hope the children's talents can be properly nurtured and further developed. Every child has different potential," he said.
The diverse extracurricular programs at SMPN 2 Lubuk Pakam serve as an important means for students to discover and develop their individual abilities. Activities in the arts, sports, and education give students opportunities to learn teamwork, build confidence, and strengthen their skills according to their interests.
The regent also emphasized that support for extracurricular activities must be accompanied by the provision of appropriate facilities. Adequate infrastructure would allow students to carry out their activities more comfortably while also encouraging them to continue practicing and producing their own work.
HEARING STUDENTS' REQUESTS FOR FACILITIES: Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan listens to students' requests regarding the facilities needed to support the development of extracurricular activities. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Floating Hall Construction Under Review
During his tour, the regent inspected a mini gazebo located on a pond, which students primarily use as a creative space for drawing. The facility attracted the regent's attention because it allows students to engage in activities in an environment different from an ordinary classroom.
After inspecting the gazebo, the regent was briefed on a plan to construct a floating hall, which is currently still under review and in the planning stage. The Deli Serdang Regency Government is considering using the area over the pond as a shared space to support various student activities.
"We can see that the children feel comfortable here on the water. We will assess whether this area can be expanded and developed into a floating hall that can later be used jointly for various student activities," he said.
The plan requires further assessment, particularly to examine technical aspects and ensure that its intended use meets the school's actual needs. If the project can be implemented, the floating hall is expected to provide students with an additional space for group activities.
The existing creative facilities, such as the gazebo, along with the proposed floating hall, also demonstrate the school's efforts to utilize its surroundings as part of the learning environment and as a means of supporting student activities. The regional government sees potential in the concept that can be further developed to create a school environment that encourages creativity.
MINI GAZEBO AND FLOATING HALL PLAN: Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan inspects the mini gazebo over the pond, which students use as a creative space, as well as the proposed construction of a floating hall. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Regional Government to Gradually Fulfill Student Requests
In addition to inspecting the existing facilities, the regent also listened to various requests from students regarding equipment needed for extracurricular activities. Some of these needs have been noted by the Deli Serdang Regency Government and are expected to be fulfilled gradually according to priorities.
Some of the requests relate to the arts and music. The Deli Serdang Government plans to seek the provision of additional musical instruments and a condenser microphone to support students in developing their abilities in these fields.
The regent emphasized that providing facilities is not merely about completing the school's inventory. Rather, the support is part of the regional government's efforts to create an environment that encourages students to be more active, produce their own work, and continue developing their abilities.
"Some of the requests made by the children today will be addressed to the extent possible. We want the available facilities to further motivate them to be creative, practice, and continuously develop their respective potential," the regent said in conclusion.
The visit also highlighted the Deli Serdang Regency Government's attention to developing student potential through activities outside the regular curriculum. By combining academic and extracurricular activities while improving supporting facilities, schools are expected to become increasingly conducive environments for nurturing talent and creativity.
The initiatives also give students an opportunity to directly express their needs. The regional government can use these aspirations as a basis for planning further support in the education sector, particularly in fostering students' interests and talents at schools. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala